REPLY1850
Midwives licensed
By THOMAS KERSLAKE. (Bristol)
I have a manuscript volume which belonged to Bishop Warburton, and apparently to other Bishops of Gloucester before him; containing, amongst other Pontificalia, in writing of various ages, a number of forms of licences, among which occurs "Licentia Obstetricis," whereby the bishop "eandem A.B. ad exercendam Artem et Officium Obstetricis in et per totam Diocesin Gloucestrensem prædietam admisit et Literas Testimoniales superiade fieri decrevit." There is no mention of charms or incantations in the licence, but the oath "de jure in hac parte requisito," is required to have been made. The form is…
Topics: Licensing of Midwives, Historical Documents, Ecclesiastical Practices
Locations: Gloucester